The Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026 (MAFF 2026) concluded its inaugural edition on November 1, marking an exciting addition to India’s independent cinema and international film festival landscape. Held on October 31 and November 1 at Barry John Acting Studio in Mumbai, the two-day festival showcased 18 films representing 11 countries, bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts.
With international screenings, award presentations and cultural interactions, the festival created a platform for diverse storytelling and creative expression. Its inaugural edition highlighted the growing importance of independent cinema in connecting audiences with stories, cultures and perspectives from across the world.
Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026: A New Platform for Global Cinema
The first edition of the Mumbai Asian Film Festival was built around the philosophy of Films, Culture and Connections. The festival aimed to create opportunities for independent filmmakers to present their work, engage with audiences and connect with creative professionals from different parts of the world.
The international film selection featured productions from India, Bangladesh, the Czech Republic, Spain, Thailand, Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
The participation of these 11 countries brought together different cinematic traditions, cultural experiences and storytelling approaches. From socially relevant narratives to human-centred stories, the selection demonstrated how cinema can communicate universal emotions while reflecting distinct cultural identities.
For Mumbai, a city deeply connected with India’s film industry, the festival represented another step towards strengthening its position as a destination for international cinematic exchange.
Makarand Deshpande Opens the Inaugural Edition
Acclaimed Indian actor, writer and director Makarand Deshpande attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest. Known for his distinctive contributions to Indian theatre and cinema, Deshpande has built a reputation through his work across acting, writing and direction.
His presence added significance to the inaugural edition, bringing together the worlds of independent filmmaking, theatre and contemporary Indian cinema.
The opening film was Mandali, directed by Rakesh Chaturvedi Om. Exploring themes of faith, power and society, the film established the tone for a programme that focused on narratives encouraging audiences to think beyond conventional storytelling.
The festival jury also brought together experienced professionals from the Indian independent film industry. It comprised National Award-winning filmmaker and writer Niraj Kumar Mishra, Humans in the Loop fame director Aranya Sahay and National Award-winning filmmaker Charitra Raj.
18 Films from 11 Countries Celebrate Diverse Storytelling
One of the major highlights of MAFF 2026 was its international selection of 18 films. The programme provided audiences with an opportunity to experience films from different countries, languages and creative backgrounds.
Independent cinema often offers filmmakers greater freedom to explore unconventional themes, local realities and stories that may not always receive mainstream commercial attention.
By bringing together Indian and international productions, the Mumbai Asian Film Festival encouraged conversations around filmmaking, artistic expression and cultural understanding.
The festival’s international approach also created opportunities for emerging filmmakers to gain visibility alongside established creative professionals.
The Prayer Brings the Festival to a Close
The festival concluded with The Prayer, a 2024 Indian Hindi short film written and directed by Nivedita Pohankar.
Produced by Makarand Deshpande under Mak World Films, the film features Aaditi S. Pohankar, Makarand Deshpande and Smita Jayakar.
Its selection as the closing film brought together recognised personalities from Indian cinema and theatre. There was also a notable connection between the opening and closing programmes, with Deshpande attending the opening ceremony as Chief Guest and being associated with the production of the concluding film.
The closing screening provided a fitting end to two days dedicated to independent storytelling and creative collaboration.
MAFF 2026 Awards Recognise 21 Filmmaking Achievements
Another important highlight was the presentation of 21 awards recognising achievements across writing, cinematography, editing, acting, direction and various film categories.
The awards celebrated both Indian and international creative talent, acknowledging the contribution of individuals and teams behind independent productions.
Some of the notable winners included Sandeep Raj, who received Best Writing and Best Director for Warranty. Sheng Heyun and Liu Fang won Best Cinematography for Assimilation, while Parth Kawale received Best Editing for Draupadi Se Draupadi Tak.
Complete List of Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026 Award Winners
Writing, Technical and Direction Categories
- Best Writing: Sandeep Raj – Warranty
- Best Cinematography: Sheng Heyun and Liu Fang – Assimilation
- Best Editing: Parth Kawale – Draupadi Se Draupadi Tak
- Best Director: Sandeep Raj – Warranty
- Best Debut Director: Dhananjay Nirmalaxman Sable – Dear Panther
Acting Categories
- Best Actor Male – International Feature: Jishnu C J – Warranty
- Best Actor Female – International Feature: Matcha Mosimann – In Harmony
- Best Actor Male – Indian Feature: Appukutti – Piranthanaal Vazhthukal
- Best Actor Female – Indian Feature: Swathi Sharma – Game of Song
- Best Actor Male – International Short: Xu Feng – Nowhere To Place
- Best Actor Female – International Short: Zhang Yanan – Assimilation
- Best Actor Male – Indian Short: Rahul Phaltankar – Finger Ring
- Best Actor Female – Indian Short: Preeti Panigrahi – Echoes
- Best Actor Female – Indian Short: Vartika Tiwari – Draupadi Se Draupadi Tak
Film and Special Recognition Categories
- Special Jury Award: Dear Panther
- Best Student Film: Draupadi Se Draupadi Tak
- Best International Short Film: Assimilation
- Best Indian Short Film: Echoes
- Best Indian Documentary: A Small Desire
- Best International Feature Film: In Harmony
- Best Indian Feature Film: Warranty
The recognition across 21 categories highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where writing, direction, acting, cinematography and editing collectively contribute to the final cinematic experience.
The Team Behind Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026
The inaugural edition was co-founded by Smita Uchil and Kundan Kumaar, who contributed to the festival’s creative vision and strategic direction.
Smita Uchil is the co-founder of showtickets.asia, Mavendoer and Mavenira Gallery. She brings diverse experience across large-scale live events, film distribution, creative industries and business development. Her association with the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival and involvement in multiple creative ventures reflect her experience in building platforms that connect audiences, artists and businesses. Through her work across events, digital media and the arts, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the Mumbai Asian Film Festival’s vision of promoting cinema, culture and creative connections.
Kundan Kumaar brings over eight years of experience in festival strategy and curation, with professional associations involving platforms and institutions such as the Cannes Film Festival, IFFI Goa and NFDC.
Ashok Purang served as the Festival Director. An experienced theatre practitioner and creative producer, he is the founder-director of Pierrot’s Troupe and has also worked as the Creative Producer of the National Award-winning film Filmistaan. His experience spans theatre, cinema and international film festivals.
The festival was mentored by Indian filmmaker, director and cinematographer Subhransu Das, whose work includes The Last Color, Filmistaan and The Kashmir Files: Unreported. His directorial feature Pushkaraa received the 71st National Film Award for Best Odia Feature Film.
Festival advisors Namita Lal and Hasan Naved also brought valuable experience across independent cinema, international film platforms, broadcast journalism and event management.
Namita Lal, an actor, producer and entrepreneur, is a former international banker who has worked across independent cinema and international film platforms, including Cannes and Marché du Film.
Hasan Naved brings over 18 years of experience in broadcast journalism, film festivals and event management, with associations including the Dubai International Film Festival and European Union Film Festival Abu Dhabi.
Together, the team combined experience from filmmaking, cultural initiatives, international festivals and creative production to establish the festival’s foundation.
Why MAFF Matters for the Future of Independent Cinema
Independent film festivals play an important role in creating opportunities beyond mainstream cinema. They allow filmmakers to introduce original ideas, experiment with storytelling formats and reach audiences who appreciate diverse cinematic experiences.
The Mumbai Asian Film Festival aims to build on this opportunity by connecting Indian filmmakers with international creative communities.
Its focus on cultural exchange can also encourage collaborations, industry conversations and greater visibility for independent productions.
For emerging filmmakers, such platforms can provide opportunities to showcase their work, receive recognition and develop meaningful professional connections.
Mumbai’s established association with filmmaking, combined with its diverse creative community, offers a promising environment for a festival built around international cinema.
About Mumbai Asian Film Festival (MAFF)
The Mumbai Asian Film Festival is a film and cultural platform dedicated to bringing together filmmakers, artists, audiences and creative professionals. Guided by its philosophy of Films, Culture and Connections, MAFF aims to celebrate independent filmmaking, encourage diverse storytelling and promote international cultural exchange through film screenings, awards and creative interactions.
The successful conclusion of its inaugural edition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the festival. With 18 films from 11 countries and 21 award categories, MAFF 2026 has introduced an international platform that celebrates the power of cinema to connect people, cultures and creative communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026?
The Mumbai Asian Film Festival (MAFF) 2026 was the inaugural edition of an international film and cultural festival held in Mumbai on October 31 and November 1, 2026.
2. Where was Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026 organised?
The festival was organised at Barry John Acting Studio in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
3. How many films were screened at MAFF 2026?
The festival showcased 18 films representing 11 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Spain, Thailand, Iran, China, Sri Lanka and the United States.
4. Who was the Chief Guest at Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026?
Acclaimed Indian actor, writer and director Makarand Deshpande attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest.
5. Which film opened Mumbai Asian Film Festival 2026?
Mandali, directed by Rakesh Chaturvedi Om, was selected as the official opening film.
6. Which film concluded MAFF 2026?
The Prayer, a 2024 Indian Hindi short film written and directed by Nivedita Pohankar, was selected as the closing film.
7. How many awards were presented at MAFF 2026?
A total of 21 awards were presented across writing, technical, direction, acting, film and special recognition categories.
8. Who founded Mumbai Asian Film Festival?
The festival was co-founded by Smita Uchil and Kundan Kumaar, with Ashok Purang serving as its Festival Director.
9. Which organisations is Smita Uchil associated with as a co-founder?
Smita Uchil is the co-founder of showtickets.asia, Mavendoer and Mavenira Gallery.
